Buying advice

[Robbie]

I've been learning the ropes with a Carter Starter for some years, and am now ready to upgrade.

Is it better to buy something new like a Zum Encore or go for an old Shobud or Emmons etc?

Wish list:

Pro build and features

Precise stops and stable as possible tuning - (please!)

At least 3x4 but ideally more + Easyish to change the copedant.

Good tone: I'm mostly into old Lloyd Green kind of tone but also like the modern Paul Franklin esque sound too.


Any advice? Obviously I'm at the mercy of U.K. availability etc

Thank you so much, Robbie

[Zebedee]

If you want precise stops and stable tuning, an old Shobud is not the way to go.

You need a modern, all-pull, professional model steel, such as a Mullen G2, Williams, ShowPro, Justice, the list is endless, just be prepared to spend $$$$$

[Robbie]

Ok that's good to have that confirmed. I like the romance of having an old shobud but I want to focus on playing and just don't have the skill to be fettling under the hood. After many years of my current psg which never stops on the same pitch twice, I need stable tuning for my sanity.

What's the approx min £££ for a used modern pro model?

Those Zum Encores start at £2k so I'm wondering how much more for a used full pro model.

Thanks for your reply mate!

[Ken Byng]

Where do you live Robbie? There are players scattered across the UK who would be only too happy to let you try a modern guitar for size and feel.

[Robbie]

Where do you live Robbie? There are players scattered across the UK who would be only too happy to let you try a modern guitar for size and feel.

Macclesfield, Cheshire.

I have a friend with an old Fender with Day setup which I can't get on with but I haven't played anything else beyond that!

[dessa]

I am in Ellesmere Port layer this month if you would like to see my Mullen

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

If you have been living with a Carter Starter any half decent pro guitar is going to feel like a massive step up once you get acclimatized to it...... One of the UK's Finest Barry Gaskell lives in Cheshire, I am sure he would be happy to help/advise you, PM me if you would like his contact details.

I need stable tuning for my sanity

My old Emmons is playable straight out of the box! The only problem I have is ,as its a 1967 "Bolt on" mech, it is slightly more affected by temperature change than my "Split tail" Emmons guitars but the end result is worth a little wait IMHO.Don't be put off by the older pro guitars, Mike Johnson still plays an Emmons push pull and Barry Gaskell loves his old Super pro Shobud.
I have 4 steel guitars here for sale at the moment and you are welcome to come and play any or all of them without any obligation to buy, though it would be quite a trek to Cambridgeshire I think it would be worth some effort as any "Pro" guitar is a big investment, also take up Derek's offer of help, he is one of our best and the Mullen is a fine guitar.

[Robbie]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the offers of letting play a couple first.

John, I've seen a few of yours "for sales" but I'm struggling to keep track of which are sold or still for sale. Could you maybe post or PM me links to the steels you still have? Indeed it would be worth the drive.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

PM sent >>>>

[Robbie]

Replied mate, thanks!